A 21-YEAR-OLD from Bere Alston is planning to take part in a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Voluntary Service Overseas.

Andy Law, who is the son of the local rector and works as a chef at Kelly College, is also planning on shaving his head to raise sponsorship money for the trip, together with organising various fund-raising events.

The trek takes place during half term in February 2005 and lasts for ten days.

?What seemed like a good idea in the lazy hazy summer days of August is fast becoming reality for me, Andy said.

?At the peak on day seven I will be 19,340ft up. I just hope I don?t suffer from altitude sickness! It will involve long walks and to reach the top on day eight we have a 14 hour walk so I?ve some serious training to get on with.

?On the last day of the trip we get to visit one of the villages in Tanzania to see some of the work that the VSO volunteers do,? he said

VSO is the largest independent volunteer-sending charity in the world and has been sending volunteers overseas for over 40 years.

The volunteers are from all walks of life and range from agriculturists to accountants, midwives to management consultants, scientists to social workers and teacher trainers to town planners.

?They all offer knowledge and skills to colleagues in developing countries where the work is most needed and makes such a difference to people?s lives. This form of support lasts well beyond the time the volunteers may spend overseas and it has much more to do with creating independence than dependence,? Andy said.

To take part in the trek, Andy has to raise £2800 before Christmas.

?I have decided to sacrifice my lovely long hair and am looking for people to sponsor me to shave my head. This will be in November and will be a great shock,? he said.

He is also planning a cream tea at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Bere Alston on Sunday, October 10 at 3pm and a curry night on Saturday, October 23 in Bere Ferrers Church Hall.

Anyone who would like more information or to sponsor or support Andy Law can contact him on 01822 840229.